Kevin Hart Wanted to Prove His Acting "Chops" to Bryan Cranston

posted by Sierra Marquina -

Jan 11, 2019

Kevin Hartis so much more than just a comedian. The actor debuts a more dramatic role in latest film The Upside across Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman. In the movie, the funnyman plays Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and young son and finds himself attending as a caretaker to Phillip, a wealthy quadriplegic who needs help with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse.

“I wanted Bryan to understand this was something I was taking very serious,” Kevin told Ryan Seacreston-air on Friday, January 11. “This was an opportunity for me to take a step in another direction of acting and show that I have the chops to do some dramatic stuff … and for me [to] gave my fan base a different glimpse of the other side of my talent.”

The comedian explained the movie is a story of friendship.

“[It’s about how] these two men come from two completely different sides of the world and have no understanding for each other’s lives or background and … through conversation and understanding, they develop this relationship and have a more powerful understanding of just what they never knew,” Kevin continued. “… I think it’s a movie we needed today … you really shouldn’t judge a book by the cover until you understand what’s inside of it.”

The role comes amid the news of Kevin stepping down from hosting The Oscars following controversy over the star's past tweets.

"I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscar's....this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past," he previously said in a statement. "I'm sorry that I hurt people. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart. Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again."

Ryan asked Kevin if he’ll be watching the awards show.

“I mean, you know, I’ll probably check it out to see what’s going on, but it’s not a priority,” Kevin concluded. “It’s not like on my recording [list].”

Listen back to the full interview in the audio above for more, including to find out what Kevin thinks about Bachelor Colton Underwood!

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan is quite simply one of the most influential, well-regarded, and well-known names in Hollywood. He is the quintessential Hollywood insider who always manages to have the biggest scoops and the most sought after access to top events and celebrities.Read more